1 Corinthians 12:27
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
When we planted Vineyard North Phoenix with 12 people in 1985, it was beyond my wildest dreams that the church would ever be as large as it is now and that we would see the amazing amount of ministry we see take place here every week.
I have literally watched hundreds and hundreds (It feels too braggadocios to say thousands) of people give their lives to Christ, be baptized and grow in their walk with God.
I am constantly amazed and humbled that God has taken an ordinary group of people (He continues to add to this) and He really has done extraordinary things through us.
I can distinctly remember the first time we multiplied our one small group into two small groups. It was difficult for some people not to be around their close friends every week, but I am so thankful for their sacrifice to put new people above their own conformability and to sow into the Kingdom.
The Vineyard has continued to draw people who, while living in community, are more concerned for others than themselves. I don’t even know all of our small group leaders personally anymore. Although this seems strange, it is a great “problem” so to speak. It means many people are using their gifts and abilities to make an impact for the Kingdom. All of us together can do so much more than any one of us can do. I love being part of something greater than myself.
I don’t want to sound “old,” but I love seeing kids who have grown up in the church become leaders….of groups, of classes, of ministry areas, of leading others into worship, and becoming pastors. You can’t experience this unless you are a part of a body of believers. Can you imagine what Heaven will be like!? I wonder if it will be like a big party where we get to spend time with everyone because on Earth there was simply not enough time!?
I am excited to see where this journey will continue to take us. I have heard so many exciting stories of what God is doing in the lives of people and there are so many stories yet untold.
Please continue to dream with me about what God wants to do next and about what He wants to do through you! It is probably bigger than you think!
Bless you big.
Thora
Oh, Thora, you’ve made so many wonderfully and inspiring points here! I want to comment on ALL of them but I have to start work pretty soon. So I’m just going to say that I’m so happy to be a part of “team Vineyard” because of what God is doing through us and because we’re all given a chance to “play”. I also want to say that, though God has and continues to do the work, yours and Brian’s faithfulness has been key to this. Thank you!!! We love and admire you guys. ISN’T TRUE GIRLS?!
I love the idea of heaven being a big party so we can spend time together because there’s not enough here on earth!
And someday the grandkids of these kids carrying on the tradition….